Police at Lingadzi Police Station in Lilongwe have arrested a 24-year-old father for allegedly throwing his 5-year-old son with disability into Lingadzi River over child support wrangle.

Lingadzi Police Station Publicist Cassim Manda said the son, who had cerebral palsy, was dependent on his mother for care and support.

According to Manda, due to family differences, the father left his wife and got married to another woman at Mtandire Township in Lilongwe.

Furious over the husband’s action, the wife abandoned the son at her mother-in-law’s place in Traditional Authority Khongoni in Lilongwe.

“This did not go well with the father and he is suspected of plotting to eliminate his physically challenged son.

“On May 10, 2024, the suspect went to his mother and politely asked to take the son home on the pretext of providing child support,” Manda said.

But according to Manda, on their way back home, the suspect undressed his son and threw him into Lingadzi River.

“Tactfully, he allegedly abandoned the clothes near Area 47 Livingstonia CCAP Church so that it should seem as if the child was abducted.

“A week later, the suspect called his ex-wife, informing her about the death of the child, but he did not divulge more information.

“Later, when the child’s mother and other relatives went to Mtandire Township to collect the child’s body, the suspect bolted upon seeing them,” Manda said.

He, however, said the suspect was caught by some people and was taken to Lingadzi Police Station, where he voluntarily admitted having thrown his child into Lingadzi River.

Manda said the suspect, who hails from Matekwe village, Traditional Authority Khongoni, in Lilongwe district will be taken to court soon to answer a case of murder which is contrary to section 209 of penal code.